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Webinar: Envisioning Open, Flexible and Distance Learning in Southeast Asia

Background

The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) jointly recognise the widespread integration of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning (OFDL) within diverse educational contexts, spanning elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The pervasive reach of the internet and the accessibility of technology have catalysed a surge in the demand for web-based pedagogy across nations. Educational institutions worldwide employ a myriad of communication methodologies to foster effective learning.

Globally, over 1.3 billion students lack internet access at home. Southeast Asia, with a burgeoning digital economy and 400+ million internet users, presents a dynamic market. However, while over 70% of the region enjoys internet connectivity, countries like Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste still lack home access. Consequently, despite economic growth, self-reported digital literacy among Southeast Asian youth remains low, even as the region aims to boost its online economy.

As per the SEAMEO Journal (2018), online learning platforms face significant hurdles in Southeast Asian colleges. These include high initial costs, sustainability concerns, post-completion employment recognition, limited professional advancement, academic institutions’ credit transfer involvement, and ensuring platform quality assurance. Therefore, it is essential to reorganise online programmes like OFDL in order to support educational systems in recovering from learning loss and becoming dynamic changes we are witnessing.

About this Webinar

This webinar centers on understanding the impact of online learning on student motivation and offers insights into effectively supporting online learners.

It serves two main objectives:

• Exchange experiences, best practices, and strategies for OFDL in Southeast Asia.
• Offer recommendations for reimagining OFDL programmes in Higher Education Institutions.

Speakers

• Prof. Cheah Horn Mun, Dean of College of Interdisciplinary & Experiential Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
• Dr. Myra Almodiel, Director of Public Affairs Office, University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU)

Register

Please register for the webinar via the event page on SEAMEO’s website.